Kapter attended Northwestern University, where he played on the Northwestern Wildcats football team. He started play as a sophomore year in 1941, but only became the team's regular left guard in 1942.[1] Kapter entered the U.S. Navy in 1943, but was allowed to stay at Northwestern along with the football team's quarterback, Otto Graham, to finish the season.[2] Kapter played in the College All-Star Game in 1943 and was named to the team again in 1944.[3] The Navy barred him from participating in the 1944 game, however, because of a rule that disallowed any activity that would require an absence of 48 hours or more.[4]
Professional career[]
Kapter was drafted in 1944 by the Detroit Lions, but military service delayed his entry into the professional ranks. He signed in 1946 to play for the Cleveland Browns, a team under formation in the new All-America Football Conference.[5] Graham, Kapter's teammate at Northwestern, also signed with the Browns.[6] During the 1946 season, Kapter alternated on occasion with Bill Willis at right guard when Willis came down with strep throat.[7] The Browns won the AAFC championship that year.[8]
